Meerut, April 26 -- Three persons were shot dead late on Saturday night during a birthday celebration inside a gym in Khurja town of Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district, police said.

Police have identified the deceased as Amardeep (35), Manish (32), and Akash (19), all relatives of local councillor Sanjay Saini.

According to police, a birthday party was hosted by Jeetu Saini (35), gym operator of RJS Fitness Gym on Subhash Marg, around 300 metres from the residence of ward 24 councillor Saini.

Several young men who frequented the gym were invited to the gathering. Among those present were Sanjay's cousin Amardeep, brother Manish, and nephew Akash.

"Around 11 pm, an argument broke out between Amardeep and Jeetu. The altercation report...